Speed awareness courses are used as an alternative to points on your license and a fine for motorists caught speeding. By looking at the actual content of these courses driving instructors can determine what to teach pupils to prevent them from speeding in the first place.
Motorists must first show themselves to be eligible for such a course. There is a 42 day limit in which the driver must admit the offence. The driver should not have been on a similar course within the last 3 years and must have been no more than ten percent over the legal limit when caught. A driver would not have been eligible if they had driven through a red light.
The courses generally take place in a classroom and last about 4 hours. They avoid judging individuals and instead place more emphasis on education. Those attending are actively encouraged to contribute to the session making it an interactive experience. The main thrust being to assist drivers in forming a personal speed awareness strategy.
When first attending a course of driver training it is important for instructors to help pupils understand the reasons why there are limits. It can be ineffective to simply teach obeying signs as a legal requirement if there is a lack of understanding as to the risk involved at higher speeds. Involving the pupil in discussion about the traffic situation and stopping distances should anything unexpected happen would be more effective.
Attitude and personal beliefs are very important factors in driving and it is these elements that often contribute to the breaking of posted limits and many other rules of the road. Often learners will quote things said by a family member who drives, giving a clue to the adopted attitude of the pupil. Instructors should always be firm and diplomatic but not hesitate to challenge any negative attitudes. If handled correctly early on in the training there is a greater chance that the learner will change their attitude towards speed and go on to be safer drivers.
Those taking driver training should be taught about the disadvantages of excessive speed. This may not necessarily mean breaking the limit. In traffic flow constant acceleration followed by harsh braking uses more petrol and boosts the risk of a rear end collision. If pedestrians are close by then the actual limit may still be too fast so think about stopping distances and choose an appropriate speed. Driving instructors can help prevent people actually reaching a pointy where they must attend a course by covering the subject early and ensure driving test candidates fully understand their responsibilities on the road.
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